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3D Graphics Technology Program AAS Degree courses

N3DG-100 - Design Drawing

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of drawing objects depicting three-dimensional space using traditional and computer-based techniques. Students will create drawings by observation of the world and use of invented or nonobjective forms, creating surface textures, and designing and laying out compositions. Color theory will be introduced and used in the course. Students will also use and understand the basics of perspective, perspective grids, and creating and using mechanical perspective and orthogonal projections of objects. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall)

N3DG-110 - Basic 3D Modeling

This course is an introduction to the representation of form in three-dimensional space using 3D software. The course focuses on the development of visual and verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing, and understanding 3D modeling techniques. Topics include the basics of lines, planes, contour, transforming lines into forms, interaction of lights and surfaces, perspective, resolution of geometry, and rendering. Projects will include modeling organic and inorganic forms, composition and level of detail. Structured assignments develop skills in concept generation, basic form making, techniques and craftsmanship. Emphasis is placed on workflow, teamwork, and the technical and aesthetic aspects of each project. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall)

N3DG-115 - Intermediate 3D Modeling and Techniques

This course will provide students with an extensive range of strategies for modeling and evaluation of the appropriate methods to use in various 3D design situations. The emphasis on the course will be on researching and problem solving in the areas of environments, interiors, spaces, objects and characters. With these techniques, students will develop intermediate skills in creating complex models of organic and inorganic forms, composition, concept art layout, and level of details. Emphasis is placed on workflow, teamwork, and technical and aesthetic aspects of each project. 3D graphics scripting will be introduced. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-100 and N3DG-110 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Spring)

N3DG-140 - 3D Lighting and Materials

This course is an introduction to the development of surface materials in 3D software, using concepts covered in N3DG-110, Basic 3D Modeling. The emphasis on the course will be on researching and understanding the interaction of light and surface, utilizing materials, shaders, textures mapping, cameras, resolution of geometry, and rendering. Techniques for UV layout are introduced. Principles of additive and subtractive color are introduced as they relate to the interpretation of physical phenomena within a virtual world. Projects focus on using color, value and texture to enhance the representation of form and space. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-100 and N3DG-110 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Spring)

N3DG-210 - Advanced 3D Modeling and Techniques

This course is a comprehensive review of modeling techniques that are useful in developing environments, interiors, spaces, objects, and characters to create complex models of organic and inorganic forms. The course will cover the understanding of proportions appropriate to a variety of environments, lighting for spaces, surface design to replicate real world materials, and building to an appropriate level of detail for the project. Additional techniques for 3D compositing and digital sculpting are introduced, as well as concepts for creating stereoscopic images. The course will emphasize researching and problem solving. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-115 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall)

N3DG-220 - Principles of 4D Design

In this course, students will learn to develop illustrations and animated elements that use the fourth dimension, to create time-based 3D and 2D graphics. Course content includes historic fundamentals of animation, principles of modern animation, and concepts of motion using 3D and 2D software. An overview of animation and time-based motion will be introduced and discussed throughout the semester. Writing and storyboarding techniques for animation will be addressed. Vector and raster animation applications will be used. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-115 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall)

N3DG-225 - 3D Motion

This course is an introduction to motion using three- dimensional software. The course focuses on the development of visual and verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing, and understanding motion with digital geometry and in virtual spaces. Subjects covered include inverse kinematics, rigging and deformers, interaction of light and surface, basic concept of compositing, and rendering. Perception and visual thinking are emphasized in the development of projects. Projects will include modeling organic and inorganic forms, composition, level of detail, creation of space and motion. Structured assignments develop skills in concept generation, basic form making, techniques for creating motion, and craftsmanship. Emphasis is placed on workflow, teamwork, and the technical and aesthetic aspects of each project. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-220 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Spring)

N3DG-230 - 3D Printing

This course introduces students to the skills needed for the production and creation of three-dimensional printed objects using 3D modeling and production software. Students will work in 3D applications, producing and editing with the tools and techniques offered by the software programs. Structural modeling techniques and modeling approaches to creating physical 3D objects with 3D printers will be taught. The use of materials in 3D printing will be discussed and demonstrated, and students will gain an understanding of the use of specific materials to satisfy printing requirements. Additional topics will include the relevance of file format specifications in modeling, comparing differences in design approaches between 3D modeling and 3D printing, and operating 3D printers under different conditions. Capabilities of different 3D printer models will be discussed. Comprehension and correct usage of terminology and concepts are emphasized. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed N3DG-210 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Spring)

N3DG-260 - Professional Practices

The course focuses on preparing students to be ready to seek employment in the 3D graphics industry. Subjects covered include professional ethics, workplace expectations, production pipeline and an overview of copyright issues. Strategies for developing leadership, teamwork, and collaboration will be discussed. Successful self-promotion and marketing, including the development of demo reels will be introduced, along with emphasizing the importance of joining professional organizations and submission of work to competitions for the purpose of professional networking. (Prerequisites: Restriscted to NTID supported students that have completed NAIS-201 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Spring)

N3DG-270 - Capstone

For this final course in 3D Graphics Technology, students will identify an area of exploration, where they have the opportunity to work on a semester-long project. Collaborative or individual projects will be supported, and students will work closely with their instructor to develop and implement a final project that will incorporate their skills, starting from the planning stage, through completion and project presentation. Collaborative projects require the clear definition of the responsibilities of each student involved and project management responsibilities. Faculty will support and provide guidance for student work exploring an industry and skill-related topic for their capstone project. (Prerequisites: Restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NAIS-299 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall)

Shared courses in the VCS department

NAIS-120 - Principles of Design and Color

Students will be introduced to the basic elements of two-dimensional monochromatic and color design, compositional principles, and approaches to analysis of design problems. Techniques for gathering resources to work toward possible design solutions and visualization of design concepts through the use of idea sketches to final comprehensive layouts. Color theory will be introduced. Students will also utilize basic design vocabulary to participate in critiques for the purpose of analyzing their own and other students' work. This course provides students in non-creative technical majors as well as those pursuing more creative endeavors within the graphic arts field with a fundamental overview and understanding of the design process to expand critical awareness of the importance of good design. (NTID Supported Students.) Lab, Lecture 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-130 - Raster and Vector Graphics

This course introduces students to the skills needed for the successful production and manipulation of raster and vector images using image creation and production software. Students will work in bitmap and vector applications, producing and editing with the tools and techniques offered by the software programs such as selection techniques, basic layer controls, digital masking, image correction and enhancement. Additional topics will include the relevance of image size, resolution and file format specifications when working with raster and vector images. Comprehension and correct usage of terminology and concepts are emphasized. (NTID Supported Students.) Lab, Lecture 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-140 - Graphic Design and Typography I

Students will learn how to work through steps of the graphic design process, starting with the identification and research of design problems, and the intended message and the target audience, to development of basic graphic design solutions presented visually through clear, well-executed layouts created by both traditional and electronic means. Fundamental graphic design and typographic principles, elements, techniques and vocabulary used in design problem solving will be introduced. Students in this course will also learn about areas/categories of graphic design, creating examples such as posters, book/CD covers and logos. Topics covering selecting appropriate printing papers, professional practices, psychology of color, and critique methods will also be introduced. (Prerequisites: Restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NAIS-120 and (NAIS-130 or (0855-251 and 0855-252)) or equivalent courses.) Lab, Lecture 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-150 - Page Layout I

Students will use page layout (desktop publishing) applications to design and produce pages and documents to given specifications. Skill development will include importing and placing text and graphic files, the application of style sheets, templates, snippets, libraries, and color specifications. The application of design and typographic principles, industry terminology, measurement systems, font management, and file management are also covered. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-160 - Web Design I

This course introduces students to the fundamental skills needed to create designs that work on the World Wide Web. Students are introduced to the Internet, learn basic HTML programming for graphics, and legal issues of the Internet. Text based technology is used to separate design from content using templates and cascading style sheets (CSS). Topics such as image preparation, page design, site graphic design, navigation & linking, content, usability, speed, originality and audience are discussed. Students are expected to create web pages that demonstrate their understanding and use of basic application of the above topics. (NTID Supported Students.) Lab, Lecture 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-199 - Independent Study-Visual Communications Studies

The description for each Independent Study request will be specified in each student proposal. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study, Credits 1 - 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-201 - Employment Seminar

Provides students with an opportunity to prepare for co-op and permanent employment through activities including developing and revising resumes, cover letters and portfolios, completing forms, interviewing, developing strategies for finding job opportunities, and researching targeted companies. Discussions relating to personal finance, communication strategies, adapting to the workplace, tips for job success, and workplace expectations will be included. (This course is restricted to 2nd year students in the ARTIMG-AAS or ARTIMG-AOS program.) Lecture 3, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-289 - Special Topics-Visual Communications Studies

The description for each Special Topics request will be specified in each course proposal. (NTID Supported Students.) Lecture, Credits 1 - 5 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-291 - Production Workshop

This course reinforces the students' skills learned in their Arts & Imaging Studies technical courses. Students are introduced to procedures that are used in an actual graphic communications production environment, including the cost of doing business, estimating procedures, and production and quality control requirements. This course enables the student to develop and apply individual and team-building problem-solving skills as they are guided through integrated activities from creation to final product in both print and non-print media production workflows. Students work in a simulated design and production environment where they can develop their technical skills, work habits, and customer relations. (This course is restricted to 2nd year students in the ARTIMG-AAS or ARTIMG-AOS program.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)

NAIS-292 - Portfolio Workshop

This course will give students from all areas of study in the Arts and Imaging Studies Department an opportunity to prepare and submit portfolios of their work for final review by a jury composed of department faculty members and professionals. The course will emphasize professional procedures, work habits, and demonstration of creative and technical skills, depending on the students' areas of expertise, as well as appropriate communication with clients, presentation techniques, and ability to work as a fully contributing member of a team. (Academic Level 2, Degree Seeking students.) Lec/Lab 5, Credits 3 (Fall, Spring)